Cartier reimagines its pebble-shaped vintage from 1972 in a limited-edition series of 150 individually numbered watches
To connoisseurs of the finest watches, the intricately crafted timepiece is a piece of art. Guided by this vision and pursuit, Cartier has achieved stellar feats of rarity and singularity throughout its watchmaking history. With wondrous homages to its heritage and timely evolutions of its classic designs reissued every year, the Maison now continues this aesthetic endeavour with the return of the coveted Cartier Pebble on its 50th anniversary.
From the Swinging Sixties to the early Seventies, London was a witness to a gripping spirit of creativity that swept through the French luxury house. The period bore some of its wildest and most idiosyncratic watches—such as the Crash in 1967, the Maxi Oval in 1969 and the Double Strap in 1970.
Following this iconic line, Cartier first introduced its pebble-shaped marvel in 1972. The unique piece, characterised by its combination of a supple round case with a legible square dial, was produced in very limited numbers and thus highly desirable among watch collectors and loyal patrons alike. As the brand debuts a limited-edition series of the Pebble this 2022, it revisits many details of the initial model while introducing a few distinguishing, new elements.
Slightly larger than the original 35.5 mm, the watch now houses one of Cartier’s flattest hand-wound movements, the manufacture 430 MC movement. Beneath the 18-carat gold exterior, the eggshell-coloured dial contrasts with its emblematic Roman numerals, blue sword-shaped hands and sapphire on the crown. Moreover, fitted on a light brown calf leather strap with a gold ardillon buckle, the Pebble ultimately reflects the many creative principles long-established by Louis Cartier himself: pure lines, precise shapes, harmonious proportions and careful attention to detail.
